Nuclear security authority was created in 2021, but is not fully functioning; Court gave 30 days to define directors
The (Federal Court of Audit) identified this Wednesday (26.FEV.2025) Institutional Risks in the structuring of the (National Nuclear Security Authority), a municipality created in 2021 to oversee and regulate nuclear security in Brazil.
According to the Court’s report, there is a significant delay in the appointment of the board of directors, which prevents its operation. This is the judgment (PDF – 832 kB).
It was determined a period of 30 days for the (Ministry of Mines and Energy) to forward the names of the directors and to finish the necessary procedures before shipping to.
Understand
ANSN was from the split of the (National Nuclear Energy Commission) and depends on the indication of its board to start its operations. The MME referred a name for the position of CEO in October 2023, but the Civil House returned the process, claiming the need to appoint the full board. However, there has been no definition of those nominees so far
TCU warned that the delay in appointment can configure a “Gross error” If a large nuclear event occurs without ANSN’s performance.
The report cites as an example events that could have been dealt with by the municipality if it was already in operation, such as the disappearance of cesium-137 capsules in Minas Gerais and technical problems in.
The court also pointed out that the delay compromises international agreements signed by Brazil on nuclear security. If the situation persists, the country may face diplomatic difficulties and even sanctions in international bodies.
Lack of budget
Another problem pointed out by the TCU is that ANSN has no resources provided for in LOA (Annual Budget Law) of 2024. As a result, the entity will need to operate with financial relocation, which may delay its administrative and technical autonomy.
The creation of ANSN was foreseen without increasing expenses, which, according to the evaluation of the Court, can compromise both the new entity and CNEN itself, which will be responsible for other activities in the nuclear sector.
The federal government chose to maintain the funds allocated to CNEN, considering that ANSN has not yet been formally implemented. However, this situation can lead to delays in the consolidation of the new municipality.
